United States Environmental Research
Environmental Protection Laboratory
Agency Gulf Breeze FL 32561
Volume 2
Number 1
January 1979
SEPA NEWSLETTER
Gulf Breeze
Laboratory
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FROM TIE DIRECTOR
This second issue of our newsletter reflects our continued concern with
the dissemination of information on current investigations and develop-
ments at the Environmental Research Laboratory, Gulf Breeze (ERL, GB),
and its Bears Bluff Field Station on Johns Island, SC. We are
appreciative of the warm reception given our first issue. Use of additional
photographs in this issue is in response to suggestions for more graphics.
Because the newsletter contains current and newsworthy information that
may be incomplete or preliminary, I want to remind readers that all data
and conclusions must be regarded as provisional. The names of scientists
associated with ongoing experiments are again included with each article
describing a project. These staff members should be contacted before any
use is made of this report, either at (904) 932-5311 or FTS 686-9011 at
ERL, GB or (803) 559-0371 for the Bears Bluff Field Station.
We continue to solicit ideas from our readership for ways to improve this
publication. We hope that these brief summaries of research projects will
enlighten the readers and provide an insight into the work and the mission
of EPA's Office of Research and Development and the role of its support
laboratories.
Director, Environmental Research Laboratory
Gulf Breeze, Florida
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Research and Development
NEWSLETTER
NEW EQUIPMENT
INSTALLED IN
ANALYSIS UNIT
A gas chromatograph/mass spectrometer (GC/MS) coupled to a
minicomputer will be installed and operational in the Analyti-
cal Services Section of the Environmental Research Laboratory
(ERL,GB) by January 1.
The system will enhance the laboratory's capabilities to de-
tect pollutants in all media. It incorporates standardized
techniques, such as chemical ionization, capillary column gas
chromatography, and data system control/processing. It is de-
signed to accommodate new advances in the future in positive/
negative ion mass spectroscopy and liquid chromatography inter-
facing.
EPA has made a major commitment to computerized GC/MS for or-
ganic pollutant analysis. Twenty-three EPA laboratories have
installed these systems and a library of mass spectra has been
established for agencywide and possibly international use.
(J. C. Moore, ext. 269).
Chemist J. C. Moore tunes a new model gas chromatograph/mass
spectrometer (GC/MS) installed at ERL,GB.
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SPECTROMETER Representatives of the EPA Mass Spectrometer Users Group and
USERS MEET the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) exchanged technical
AT ERL,GB information on the use of computerized gas chromatography in
identifying and measuring environmental pollutants at a con-
ference hosted by ERL,GB on November 14-15.
Participants discussed priority pollutant analysis by the EPA
protocol, mass spectral search system, advances in technology,
problems associated with the operation of equipment, training,
and future exchanges.
Purpose of the meeting was to facilitate the informal exchange
of technical information among EPA personnel using computer-
ized/mass spectrometry to assess environmental pollutants.
The group's next meeting will be held November 1979 in
Seattle, WA. (J. C. Moore, ext. 269)
DEVICE DETECTS Use of 60z, 120-V alternating current with saltwater holding
ELECTRICAL tanks poses possible hazards to laboratory personnel. A de-
HAZARDS vice has been designed at ERL,GB to detect a voltage differ-
ential between a container of saltwater and a ground.
The device activates an alarm and turns off current to a
hearing element relay. The voltage remains off and the alarm
continues until a reset button is pressed.
The coil of the relay should activate when the current reaches
only 3.2 mA. In the event of metal heater malfunctions due to
corrosion or other failures, the voltage and current would
greatly exceed this coil threshold and quickly be detected.
(C. R. Cripe and B. E. Stokes, ext. 215)
CONTRACTS
AWARDED FOR
TOXICITY TESTS
A series of four contracts have been awarded to private
testing laboratories to conduct acute toxicity tests with
three species of estuarine animals. The purpose of the con-
tracts, funded by EPA's Office of Toxic Substances (OTS), and
administered by ERL,GB, is to validate a method for studies
that will eventually be required of industry in a pre-manu-
facturing screening program. Each of the contractor labora-
tories as well as ERL,GB and ERL,Narragansett are presently
conducting acute toxicity tests exposing the copepod, Acartia
tonsa, the mysid shrimp, Mysidopsis bahia, and the sheepshead
minnow, Cyprinodon variegatus, to the insecticide, endosulfan
and silver nitrate.
The test methods are based on a draft of American Society for
Testing and Materials (ASTM) "Standard Practice for Conducting
Basic Acute Toxicity Tests with Fishes, Macroinvertebrates,
and Amphibians." After the tests from all six institutions
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are completed, data will be analyzed to determine the repro-
ducibility of the method, using the same species and test
conditions. (S. C. Schimmel, ext. 238)
CIVIL RIGHTS
COORDINATOR
VISITS ERL,GB
Ms. Marian Woods, director of EPA's Office of Civil Rights,
Las Vegas, visited ERL,GB December 6-8 to discuss Equal Employ-
ment Opportunity (EEO) and the Federal Women's Program (FWP).
As area director, Ms. Woods provides guidance and direction to
coordinators and directors of eight EPA research laboratories.
At ERL,GB she conferred with EEO Coordinator D. R. Nimmo,
Counselors Edward Matthews and Dana Beth Tyler-Schroeder, and
FWP Manager Betty P. Jackson and her alternate, Lynn Faas.
Their discussions focused on affirmative action planning, up-
ward mobility and career counseling for federal employees,
recruitment of women and minorities, and the role of manage-
ment in program planning. Ms. Woods also addressed a general
meeting of laboratory staff and a meeting of supervisory
personnel.
Adviser Marian Woods (center, seated) meets with ERL,GB per-
sonnel Edward Matthews, Betty Jackson, Dana Beth Tyler-
Schroeder (standing); D. R. Nimmo and Lynn Faas (seated).
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OIL SPILL
RESPONSE
WORKSHOP
Proceedings of the Southeast Oil Spill Response Workshop,
hosted Dec. 12-14 by the Bears Bluff Field Station, are
scheduled for publication in the near future.
The workshop was one of a series under sponsorship of the
National Response Team, Environmental Research Laboratories,
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
Participants addressed questions related to southeast oil
spill response operations, criteria, and strategies for
response. Plans were discussed for environmental impact
assessment.
Dr. William P. Davis, chief of the Bears Bluff Field Station,
served as workshop coordinator. Participants included experts
with first-hand experience in oil spill response, university
researchers, and representatives of State and Federal
agencies.
Topics included: roles of State and Federal governments in
spill response, coastal and inland operational responses,
roles of scientists, socioeconomic analysis, cleanup and
disposal, chemistry, physical modeling, and coastal and off-
shore processes and ecology. (W. P. Davis, 803-559-0371)
ROLE OF ALGAE
IN HALOFORM
PRODUCTION
STUDIED
Laboratory evidence has confirmed the ability of soluble
chlorophyll to generate chloroform (CHCL3) when chlorinated.
Three species of marine algae have been investigated at the
Bears Bluff Field Station to determine if a relationship
exists between their chlorophyll a_ content and the generation
of trihalomethanes (THM) during chlorination of saline waters.
Chlorination of filtered estuarine water (salinity 23°/oo)
from the North Edisto River, SC, results in a rapid formation
of 200 yg/1 trihalomethanes comprised mainly of tribromo-
methane (CHBR3) and dibromochloromethane (CHBR2C1). In the
presence of 10 cells/ml of Isochrysis galbana, chlorination
with NaOCl to a nominal 10 mg/1 chlorine increased the total
THM concentration by an average of 35 percent. Carteria sp.
had a negligible effect, whereas chlorination of Thalassiosira
pseudonana resulted in an average 24 percent decrease in total
THM.
Regression analysis of each algal species revealed no signi-
ficant correlations between the total haloform concentration
generated during chlorination and chlorophyll a_ concentrations
of a known algal biomass. The statistical evidence, and
observation of similar trends in THM production during chlo-
rination of culture media with the algal populations removed.
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lead investigators to discount chlorine-chlorophyll a_ inter-
actions. However, data suggest that extracellular material
(i.e. algal excretion/secretion products) play the major role
in determining an algal species1 contribution, or lack of
contribution, to the total trihalomethane production of
chlorinated estuarine waters. (A. M. Crane, S. J. Erickson,
or C. E. Hawkins, 803-559-0371)
NEW STAFF
Dr. Peter F. Sheridan, formerly of Arlington, VA, has been
named a marine ecologist assigned to the Bears Bluff Field
Station. He joined the staff in the fall after completing his
Ph.D. in biological oceanography at Florida State University,
Tallahassee.
Dr. Sheridan is currently involved with the Marine Ecosystem
Testing Units (METU) experiment designed to assess long-term
impacts of chlorination of seawater on the development of
benthic communities. His research specialities include:
characterization of epibenthic fish and invertebrate communi-
ties throughout long time spans, benthic community ecology,
trophic relationships of estuarine fishes and invertebrates,
and taxonomy of estuarine organisms, particularly amphipods.
He presented a paper titled "Cyclic Trophic Relationships
of Fishes in an Unpolluted, River-dominated Estuary" at the
Conference on Ecological Processes in Coastal and Marine
Systems in Tallahassee, FL, in April. He has manuscripts in
preparation on the subject of trophic interactions of fishes
and new species of amphipods from the Gulf of Mexico.
At ERL,GB, Ms. Jimmie Yasson has replaced Ms. Lakely B. Snider
who retired as purchasing agent. A native of southeastern
Alabama, Ms. Yasson formerly served in the office of program
and budget at Fort Rucker, AL. She moved to Pensacola with
her husband, who is retired from the Army.
Ms. Snider, who plans to travel extensively in retirement, was
recently honored by- the laboratory staff at a luncheon. She
served as purchasing agent for the laboratory since 1974, when
she transferred to ERL,GB from the Naval Air Station.
SECRETARY
HONORED
Ms. Jacqueline Holley, secretary to ERL,GB Director Thomas W.
Duke, has been inducted into the Pensacola chapter, National
Secretaries Association. Employed for three years at the lab-
oratory, she previously worked at the U. S. Naval Air Station,
Pensacola; St. Regis Paper Co., Pensacola; and at the Depart-
ment of Commerce, Washington, DC. She is a founder and former
officer of the Information, Motivational, and Preparational
Organization for women with the U. S. Navy.
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EFFECTS OF Toxic effects of DimilinR, the insecticide that interferes
DIMILIN with the formation of chitin (the hard outer-covering or exo-
REPORTED skeleton), were described by ERL,GB Research Ecologist Del
Wayne R. Nimmo at the annual meeting of the American Society
for Testing and Materials, October 17-18, in New Orleans, LA.
Results of exposures of Dimilin to a small crustacean, Mysid-
opsis bahia, at ERL,GB indicated: (1) a toxicity level of 2.0
parts per billion (ppb); (2) inhibition of the molt at acutely
toxic concentrations of Dimilin and after long-term exposure;
(3) diminished reproduction proportionate to increases in
Dimilin concentrations and exposure time; (4) latent lethality;
and (5) higher susceptibility among younger shrimp.
In the 96-hr toxicity test, animals lacked a normal exoskele-
ton after molt; attempts to remove dead animals by a pipet
often resulted in complete disintegration of their bodies.
Pronounced latent effects on reproduction and survival were
also apparent in succeeding generations (particularly the
second generation) at parts per trillion (ppt) concentrations
of Dimilin.
Studies are continuing regarding the toxicity of Dimilin to
aquatic species, its duration in the environment, and the
nature of compounds formed by its decomposition. (D. R. Nimmo
or T. L. Hamaker, ext. 270)
COMMUNITY
TEST RESULTS
Effects of an insecticide and two biocides on settling benthic
animals have been investigated in community tests in which
exposed planktonic larvae were observed in flowing seawater.
In the ERL,GB tests, 12 or less species of animals were col-
lected from aquaria containing 11.1 and 103 yg/1 SevinR,
whereas 20 or more species were collected from control aquaria
and aquaria containing 1.1 yg/1. Also, the abundant clam,
Ensis minor, grew significantly less in length at the higher
concentrations of Sevin.
Other tests with two biocides used in offshore oil drilling,
AldacideR and SufloR B33, are being analyzed. Results will be
compared with an earlier test on the biocide DowicideR to
provide information of the relative toxicity of these sub-
stances to bottom organisms. (M. E. Tagatz, ext. 277)
MICROCOSM
SYMPOSIUM
ERL,GB Microbial Ecolgoist P. H. Pritchard attended a symposi-
um on "Microcosm in Ecological Research" November 8-10 in
Augusta, GA. The meeting was sponsored by the Savannah River
Ecology Laboratory to evaluate the state-of-the-art of
microcosm development and application.
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INDUSTRIAL A testing protocol developed in ERL,GB's Industrial Waste
WASTES ARE Source Assessment Program requires bioassays with algae and
ASSESSED mysids coupled to chemical analyses of liquid industrial
wastes.
Raw effluents are tested to determine if they are toxic or
stimulatory. Then a series of chemical fractionations and
analyses utilize gas chromatrography, mass spectrometry, and
inductively coupled plasma to identify bioactive substances.
ERL,GB investigators have found that most bioactive substances
of wastes are in either the organic or inorganic fraction, but
seldom in both. Further, the chain-forming diatom, Skeleton-
ema costatum, has been identified as the organism usually most
sensitive to complex wastes. In contrast to studies with
single substances such as pesticides, S_. costatum responded
much more strongly to complex wastes than did estuarine fishes,
mysids, or grass shrimp.
Plans are underway at ERL,GB to continue exposure assessment
with laboratory microcosms, field studies, and research re-
lated to bioconcentration by algae and animals. (G. E. Walsh,
ext. 235)
AT LEFT: ERL,GB Biological aide
Alan Miller (standing) and Coop
student Hank Cantrell examine dilu-
ters in the ERL,GB mobile laboratory
established to conduct field surveys
at industrial waste outfalls. The
diluters fractionate wastes before
they are passed into exposure tanks.
The mobile laboratory, which is re-
quired by the Surveillance and
Analysis Division of EPA's Region
IV, will be used extensively in 1979
to supplement ERL,GB laboratory
analyses. Staff of the mobile unit
can perform fish and mysid bioassays
with field samples. This method
allows comparison of field and lab-
oratory results and is of help in
development of methods for analysis
of liquid industrial wastes.
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OFFSHORE TESTS
DESCRIBED
AT MEETING
Offshore "community structure tests," developed by ERL,GB
as a predictive tool for selective toxicity tests, were
described by ERL,GB Associate Director Norman L. Richards at
the First International Dumping Symposium sponsored by the
U.S. National Ocean Survey October 10-13 in Kingston, RI.
The tests utilize acute, chronic, behavioral, and community
structure data in analyzing toxicity of drilling fluids in a
sequence of steps. Their primary objective is to determine
the effects of drilling fluids and their chemical components
on the structure and function of offshore benthic communities.
An analysis of the communities that become established in
flowing seawater aquaria is proposed as a guide in selecting
appropriate organisms for subsequent toxicity testing. The
more sensitive, cultivatable species are selected for labora-
tory tests in which environmental conditions are simulated
with fluctuating temperatures, natural substrate, photoperiods,
and other parameters. These "community structure tests" also
may be appropriate for the selection of benthic species to be
monitored in the field. Soluble components, water soluble
fractions of oil, and components of drilling fluids have been
tested by this method. (N. L. Richards, ext. 213)
OIL SPILL
IMPACT IS
ASSESSED
Observations and data gathered along the French coast of Brit-
tany after the Amoco Cadiz oil spill were presented by Dr.
W. P. Davis, chief of the Bears Bluff Field Station, at the
Fourth Meeting of U.S.-Japan Experts on Management of Bottom
Sediments Containing Toxic Substances November 3-4, in Tokyo.
Dr. Davis, member of a NOAA/EPA scientific team, visited im-
pacted areas of the French coast, and described the response
of citizens, scientists, and government to the crises created
by oil released when the supertanker Amoco Cadiz went aground
offshore from Portsall, France on March 16. He also summa-
rized initial damage to recreational beaches, mariculture, the
fisheries industry, agriculture, and wildlife. In conclusion,
he emphasized the need for a long-term international effort to
explore the long-range consequences of such incidents and to
understand the nature and effectiveness of natural recovery
processes.
An article, "Biological Observations," co-authored by Dr.
Davis and other members of his team, appears in a report
titled "The Amoco Cadiz Oil Spill: A Preliminary Scientific
Report." It was published by the Government Printing Office
for the Department of Commerce NOAA and EPA. (W. P. Davis,
803-559-0371}
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INVENTORY The first inventory of the fauna of the Pensacola Estuary,
PUBLISHED OF Florida is in press. It records 705 species of benthic and
PENSACOLA pelagic animals obtained by ERL,GB Microbiologist Nelson R.
ESTUARINE FAUNA Cooley during systematic collections from 1961 to 1963 and by
casual collections in other years.
The inventory is being published by the Florida Department of
Natural Resources, St. Petersburg, FL, in its Florida Marine
Research Publications. Data provided for each species include
the salinity of the sampling station, habitat and season in
which collected, and relative abundance. Sampling dates
approximate times of annual extremes and midpoints of the
spring rise and autumnal decline in water temperature.
Predominate animals collected were mollusks (225 species),
annelids (91 species, chiefly polychaetes), arthropods (100
species, chiefly crustaceans), and bony fishes (182 species).
Spawning of a turbellarian, 7 species of mollusks, and 25
species of crustaceans, and breeding of horseshoe crabs are
reported in the inventory. Information is also given on the
season, duration, and intensity of settling of larvae of
oysters, barnacles, bryozoans, and serpulid worms in Santa
Rosa Sound during 1962-63 and in Little Sabine Bay from 1960-
63. (N. R. Cooley, ext. 231)
AT LEFT: ERL,GB Museum Curator
Nelson Cooley shows Biological
Technician Terri Rawlins a fish
from the Laboratory Reference
Collection.
The collection includes more than
2,000 identified and cataloged
specimens and aids in the rapid
identification of specimens in
field collections. The museum work
area contains specimem catalogs,
dry-storage files, and a herbarium
of multicellular marine algae. It
is also equipped with storage bays
for wet specimens as well as a
work station with dissecting and
compound microscopes, photographic
equipment, and curatorial supplies.
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DRILLING MUD
RESEARCH
The impact of drilling rig discharges on the estuarine and ma-
rine environment is yet to be determined because relatively few
toxicological studies have focused on salt-water environments.
A study was undertaken at ERL,GB to assess the effect of whole
drilling mud on development of estuarine communities. Numbers
and species of animals that grew from planktonic larvae in
aquaria containing sand mixed with or covered by drilling mud
were compared with control animals.
Results show that the abundance of animals was affected by
drilling mud. Total numbers of animals and average number of
species per aquarium were significantly less (= = 0.05) in
aquaria containing sand under the mud cover than in control
aquaria. Numbers of animals in aquaria containing mixtures of
mud and sand also differed (a = 0.05) from the numbers in con-
trol aquaria; numbers of species did not significantly differ.
Further, community structure changed as a result of contamina-
tion by drilling mud. Although annelids were dominant in
number in control and in all concentrations, relative abun-
dance of other phyla varied. For example, coelenterates were
second in abundance in the control, but fourth in abundance in
all concentrations. Tests indicate that large quantities of
drilling mud mixed with or covering marine sediments would
change sediment granulometry and could influence the distribu-
tion and abundance of settling organisms. (M. E. Tagatz,'
J. M. Ivey, H. K. Lehman, ext. 277)
COMMUNITY
TEST IS
DESCRIBED
A laboratory test developed to assess the impact of toxicants
on benthic estuarine communities was described by ERL,GB
Research Aquatic Biologist David J. Hansen at the annual
meeting of the American Society of Testing and Materials,
October 17-18, in New Orleans, LA.
The test method allows comparison of the numbers, species, and
phyla of benthic animals that grow from planktonic larvae in
an uncontaminated apparatus and three identical apparatuses
continuously contaminated (each with a different concentra-
tion) for two to four months. Each apparatus is separated
into 10 sand-filled compartments (40 total) and receive a con-
tinuous flow of seawater containing natural plankton. Tests
at ERL,GB have demonstrated the usefulness of this method
in providing insight into the relative sensitivities of
species not previously tested and of species in early develop-
mental stages. The test can be used to assess impacts of sub-
stances that affect community structure by physically altering
the substrate. (D. J. Hansen, ext. 207; M. E. Tagatz, ext. 277)
10
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DATA FILES
DEVELOPED
FOR LIBRARY
EPALIT, a text data management system developed at ERL,GB,
provides for the computerized collection and rapid retrieval
of library data.
The system was developed for the ERL,GB library to store
descriptive and status information on books, reprints, maga-
zines, and other holdings. EPALIT will interface in the
future with EPA's DATALIB system, which will give ERL,GB
national access to agencywide information resources.
Patricia W. Berger, recently named chief, Information
Resources and Services Branch of EPA's Management and Organi-
zation Division, was briefed on the system during a visit to
ERL,GB on December 13.
Ms. Berger also discussed the development of on-line agency-
wide bibliographic and data files with EPA library and data
processing staff. Currently, the EPA library system includes
28 libraries that share resources, services, and expertise.
Their operation is coordinated by the Information and
Resources Services Branch.
In November, EPA librarians were briefed on the implementation
of DATALIB, currently being used for cataloging books, reports,
and documents. The workshop was attended by Ms. Andree F.
Lowry, ERL,GB library supervisor who formerly headed the loan
department at McKeldin Library at the University of Maryland.
Ms. Lowry has also served as public library consultant for
the State Library of Florida, head of the bibliographic search
unit for the cataloging department, Strozier Library, at
Florida State University, and as government documents librar-
ian for the Florida A&M University Library. (R. H. Ryder,
ext. 257; A. F. Lowry, ext. 218)
Librarian A. Lowrv shows visitor P. Berger new acquisition.
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DEGRADATION ERL/GB researchers are developing microcosms designed to study
TESTS UNDER the fate of toxic chemicals in aquatic environments by an
DEVELOPMENT integrated assessment of the major degradative mechanisms.
These systems can be adjusted to determine aerobic and anaero-
bic effects. Data can be obtained on the effect of the chemi-
cal on microbial processes. The test system, termed Eco-core,
is a microcosm developed at ERL,GB to monitor changes in mic-
robial populations exposed to toxicants and provides an inte-
grated assessment of the fate of the chemical. These micro-
cosms use a sediment/water core taken directly from the aquat-
ic environment under study.
These advantages are cited for this approach:
. The natural environment is simulated as closely as possible,
and sediment-water interfaces are basically preserved.
. Separation of a metabolism study into an aerobic and anaer-
obic phase is not required. Both phases are combined in
the experimental system as found in nature.
. Coring mechanisms are small, simple, and inexpensive. Rep-
licates and samples from different aquatic environments
(ponds, lakes, rivers, marshes) can be tested simultane-
ously.
. A total metabolic picture is obtainable. Rates and extents
of chemical hydrolysis, CXX, evolution, and polar-product
formation can be assessed. Distribution of pollutants and
the production of degradation products can be examined.
Investigators believe that this microcosm will be useful as a
reference for comparisons with toxicants being screened for
the first time. (A. W. Bourquin or P. H. Pritchard, ext. 260
or 268)
KEPONE TOXICITY Research at ERL,GB on the toxic effects of Kepone to estuarine
TO BACTERIA bacteria is near completion. To date, data show Kepone to be
IS INVESTIGATED the most toxic to bacteria of any compound to be tested at
ERL,GB. Kepone has been shown to significantly reduce total
viable counts of bacteria in water samples taken from several
types of estuarine environments. Effects were observed at
Kepone. concentrations of 0.2 ppm.
Bacteria isolated from sediment were better able to grow at
toxic levels of Kepone when grown aerobically. Oxygen uptake
studies, in the presence of readily metabolizable substrates,
also demonstrated similar toxic responses. These studies
indicate that Kepone inhibits some generalized membrane func-
tions in bacteria. Degradation of the pesticide, methyl para-
thion, in sediment-core microcosms was similarly inhibited by
Kepone at low concentrations. Kepone has not been shown to
degrade in any of these studies. (P. H. Pritchard, ext. 268)
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EFFECTS OF
KEPONE VARY
IN ORGANISMS
ERL,GB experiments with Kepone in the James River sediments,
water, or food organisms have determined that each source of
Kepone can have differing effects on various animal species.
Free-swimming animals—mysids, grass shrimp, spot, sheepshead
minnows—accumulated Kepone when exposed in water or food,
but not from sediments. Bottom-dwelling animals (fiddler
crabs and lugworms) accumulated large quantities of Kepone
from water or sediment exposures. Blue crabs, however, did
not accumulate large amounts of Kepone from either water
or sediment exposures even though the crabs burrowed into the
contaminated substrates. Food-chain experiments with blue
crabs fed oysters containing Kepone showed high residues of
Kepone in edible tissues. Mortality of blue crabs was
observed.
Results of these tests indicate that effects of Kepone
poisoning depend not only on exposure concentrations but also
on the method of exposure: whether in water, food, or sedi-
ment. (L. H. Banner, ext. 249)
EFFECTS OF
CHLORINE-
PRODUCED
OXIDANTS
EXPLORED
Toxicological and physiological responses of juvenile spot
(Leiostomus xanthurus) have been determined by the Bears Bluff
Field Station in short-term exposures to chlorine-produced
oxidants (CPO's).
In flowing water tests, 0.09 and 0.12 mg/1 CPO concentrations
were sublethal in 48-hr exposures. Concentrations of 0.13,
0.20, and 0.36 mg/1 were acutely toxic.
Opercular ventilation rates in exposed spot were much higher
than in control fish, but decreased to slightly above those
of controls during the latter portion of the 48-hr exposures
to the two sublethal CPO concentrations. Ventilation rates
for the three acutely toxic CPO concentrations remained much
higher than control rates until the exposed fish died.
Blood pH of spot after 48-hr exposure to sublethal concentra-
tions of CPO, or at the respective estimated LT50 for lethal
concentrations, showed significant decreases when compared to
controls. No concurrent changes in the percentage methemo-
globin were observed.
Oxygen uptake by spot was depressed at all CPO concentrations
tested. Histological examination showed that gill respiratory
epithelial tissues sloughed away from the underlying pillar
cells. (D. P. Middaugh, 803-559-0371)
13
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DOCUMENTS
PREPARED FOR
WATER QUALITY
CRITERIA
Fifteen ERL,GB scientists are assisting the EPA Office of
Water and Waste Management in preparing water quality criteria
documents on 65 chemical pollutants, in response to a court
decree.
The project is being coordinated by the Environmental Research
Laboratory (ERL), Duluth, which is responsible for preparing a
single document combining marine and freshwater data.
The scientists are reviewing aquatic toxicity data and litera-
ture, preparing guidelines for the development of criteria,
and writing sections relating to the ecological effects on
aquatic life. Each staff member works independently on
specific pollutants, reviews pertinent literature, and sum-
marizes results of research and data related to its toxicity
to aquatic species.
Similar work was performed by 11 ERL,GB scientists earlier
this year, and their service was rewarded in December by the
presentation of special achievement awards by ERL,GB
Laboratory Director Thomas W. Duke.
Recipients of the awards were: Lowell Banner, Patrick
Borthwick, Nelson Cooley, John Couch, David Hansen, Del Wayne
Nimmo, Steven Schimmel, Dana Beth Tyler-Schroeder, Marlin E.
Tagatz, and Gerald Walsh. Douglas Middaugh of Bears Bluff
Field Station also received an award.
In presenting the awards, Dr. Duke said: "The importance of
this task to EPA and the public may be known only after the
courts have made their decisions. It is hoped that toxic
levels of these pollutants are not allowed to reach fresh and
marine waters." (D. J. Hansen, coordinator, ext. 207)
Recipients of awards for special achievement: left to right,
P. W. Borthwick, N. R. Cooley, G. e. Walsh, Dana Beth Tyler-
Schroeder, D. R. Niirano, L. H. Banner, and D. J. Hansen.
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AWARDS ERL,GB Associate Director Norman L. Richards was awarded the
ANNOUNCED EPA Bronze Medal on October 12 by Dr. Stephen J. Gage,
Assistant EPA Administrator for Research and Development (R&D).
He was cited for his outstanding contribution "in launching
the Federal Interagency Energy/Environment R&D Program in the
winter of 1974-75."
ERL,GB Director Thomas W. Duke was presented in December a
special achievement award for continued superior service.
In the award citation he was commended for sustained outstand-
ing performance "as an administrator, scientist, and leader of
scientists who have contributed significantly to the success
of EPA's pesticide and estuarine water quality research."
He also was praised for his involvement in the development of
environmental programs with the Soviet Union, Yugoslavia,
Egypt, and Poland, and his service on advisory committees,
including his recent assignment to the committee investigating
the Seabrook Nuclear Power Question.
LABORATORY ERL,GB Microbiologist Nelson R. Cooley is preparing text for
PRACTICES the Office of Research and Development's contribution to a
MANUAL Good Laboratory Practices Manual (Quality Assurance Standard)
for Ecological Effects in aid of OTS (Office of Toxic
Substances) Pre-manufacture Testing Guidelines for Sections 4
and 5, Toxic Substances Control Act. Dr. Cooley has submitted
a draft outline and text to EPA headquarters.
CAREER Staff personnel have represented ERL,GB in recent career fairs
FAIRS sponsored in the Gulf Coast area.
Ms. Helen May, personnel coordinator, presented information
about career opportunities in EPA at a Career Fair October 11
at the University of Alabama in Mobile. The program was
sponsored by the university's Office of Cooperative Education
Placement Services for high school students of Mobile County.
Environmental Protection Assistant Nancy Duvall represented
the laboratory at a Career Day Observance at Catholic High
School in Pensacola. She described the organizational
structure of EPA and requirements for career employees within
the organization. Her presentation was attended by students
interested in professions related to the biological and life
sciences.
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PUBLICATIONS Recent publications by the ERL,GB staff and researchers sup-
ported by EPA grants or contracts are listed below. Single
copies of these publications can be obtained from Betty
Jackson, Technical Information Coordinator, ext. 202.
JOURNAL Butler, Philip A., and Roy L. Schutzmann. 1978. RESIDUES OF
ARTICLES PESTICIDES AND PCB'S IN ESTUARINE FISH, 1972 - 76—NATIONAL
PESTICIDE MONITORING PROGRAM. Pestic. Monit. J. 12(2):51-59.
This report summarizes 1524 analyses of juvenile fish col-
lected semiannually in 144 estuaries nationwide from July
1972 through June 1976. Pooled samples of 25 whole fish were
screened for 20 common pesticides and polychlorinated bi-
phenyls (PCB's). Field data gave divergent results.
Middaugh, D. P., J. M. Dean, R. G. Domey, and G. Floyd. 1978.
EFFECT OF THERMAL STRESS AND TOTAL RESIDUAL CHLORINATION ON
EARLY LIFE STAGES OF THE MUMMICHOG FUNDULUS HETEROCLITUS.
Mar. Biol. 46(1):l-8. (ERL,GB Reprint #308).
Effects of simultaneous short-term (7.5 to 60 min) thermal
stress (24° to 34°C) and total residual chlorination (0.05 to
1.0 mg I'1) on specific development stages of the mummichog
Fundulus heteroclitus (Pisces: Cyprinodontidae), are investi-
gated. For the embryonic stages, the total number of success-
fully hatched larvae was used as the criterion to measure
effect. For the larval stages, survival 24 hr after exposure
was used. In the embryonic stages, temperature was the most
important main variable. Only one embryonic stage (gastrula)
was confounded by second-order interactions (temperature x
duration of exposure x total residual chlorination). Both
0-day and 7-day-old larval stages showed significant.higher-
order interactions for all combinations of test parameters,
suggesting the presence of synergistic effects of the three
main experimental variables.
Reish, Donald J., Thomas J. Kauwling, Alan J. Mearns, Philip
S. Oshida, Steven S. Rossi, Frank G. Wilkes, and Marjorie J.
Ray. 1978. MARINE AND ESTUARINE POLLUTION. J. Water Pollut.
Control Fed. 50(6):1424-1469.
This literature review summarizes current data on the effects
of pesticides on marine organisms, aquatic environmental
research methods, bioaccumulation of pesticides by estuarine
and marine organisms, and biota residue. Results of studies
of the environmental effects of dredging and the occurrence
of diseases and tissue abnormalities in fish, shellfish, and
marine plants also are reported.
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Tagatz, Marlin E., and Michael Tobia. 1978. EFFECT OF
BARITE (BaS04) ON DEVELOPMENT OF ESTUARINE COMMUNITIES.
Estuarine Coastal Mar. Sci. 7 (4):401-407. (ERL,GB Reprint
#340).
Barite (BaSO^), the primary component of oil drilling muds,
affected the composition of estuarine communities developed
from planktonic larvae in aquaria containing sand and flowing
estuarine water. Aquaria contained: sand only; a mixture
(by volume) of 1 part barite and 10 parts sand; 1 part barite
and 3 parts sand; or sand covered by 0.5 cm of barite. For
all environments, annelids and mollusks were the numerically
dominant phyla collected in a 1-mm-mesh sieve after 10 weeks
exposure; a total of 3020 animals, representing 59 species,
was collected. Significantly fewer animals and species
(a = 0.01) developed in aquaria sand covered by barite than in
aquaria unexposed or exposed to 1 barite:10 sand. Number of
animals in aquaria containing 1 barite:3 sand also differed
(a = 0.05) from that in control aquaria. Annelids were parti-
cularly affected and significantly fewer (<* = 0.01) were
found in all treatments than in the control. Mollusks
decreased markedly in number only in barite-covered aquaria.
Barite, however, did not impede growth (as height) of the
abundant clam, Laevicardium mortoni, or decrease abundance of
six other phyla. Our data indicate that large quantities of
this compound, as discharged in offshore oil drilling, possi-
bly could adversely affect the colonization of benthic
animals.
Tagatz, M. E., J. M. Ivey, H. K. Lehman, and J. L. Oglesby.
1978. EFFECTS OF A LIGNOSULFONATE-TYPE DRILLING MUD ON
DEVELOPMENT OF EXPERIMENTAL ESTUARINE MACROBENTHIC COMMUNI-
TIES. Northeast Gulf Science 2(1):35-42. (ERL,GB Reprint
#370).
Drilling mud, as used in exploratory drilling for oil off-
shore, affected the composition of estuarine communities that
developed from planktonic larvae in aquaria containing sand
and flowing estuarine water. Aquaria contained: sand only;
a mixture (by volume) of 1 part mud and 10 parts sand; 1 part
mud and 5 parts sand; or sand covered by 0.2 cm mud. For all
environments, annelids, mollusks, arthropods, and coelenter-
ates were the numerically dominant phyla collected in a 1-mm
mesh sieve after eight weeks exposure; a total of 1,025
animals, representing 45 species, was collected. Annelids and
coelenterates were significantly fewer (« = 0.05) in aquaria
containing drilling mud than in the control aquaria. Arthro-
pods were significantly affected only by mud cover over sand;
mollusks also were diminished in this environment, but not
significantly. Exposure to concentrations of drilling mud
reduced not only the number of individuals, but also the
17
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frequency of occurrence of macrobenthic species. Thus, the
average number of annelid species in 1 part mud:5 parts sand
aquaria or in mud-covered aquaria was significantly less than
in control aquaria. The average number of arthropod species
per aquarium was also significantly less in the mud-cover
exposure than in the control. Discharge of large quantities
of drilling mud at levels tested in the laboratory could
adversely affect the colonization of various substrata by
benthic animals in nature.
Walsh, Gerald E. 1978. TOXIC EFFECTS OF POLLUTANTS ON
PLANKTON. In: Ecotoxicology, G. E. Butler, editor. John
Wiley & Sons, New York, NY, pp. 257-274. (ERL,GB Reprint #341)
Pollution is considered as it affects plankton communities and
species. Plankton (Gr. 'wandering') is a general term for
organisms that drift or swim feebly in the surface water of
ponds, lakes, streams, rivers, estuaries, and oceans. It is
composed of organisms with chlorophyll (phytoplankton) and
animals (zooplankton). A large scientific literature deals
with the effects of pollutants on planktonic species of fresh
and marine waters; less has been reported about effects of
pollution on plankton communities. Mathematical models can
be used to predict such effects; a few simple models are
cited to suggest possible effects of selected pollutants.
Wilson, Alfred J., and Jerrold Forester. 1978. PERSISTENCE
OF AROCLOR 1254 IN A CONTAMINATED ESTUARY. Bull. Environ.
Contam. Toxicol. 19(5):637-640. (ERL,GB Reprint #339)
This brief report summarizes the concentrations of PCB's in
oyster tissue (Crassostrea virginica) observed from April
1969 to June 1976 at three locations in the Escambia Bay
estuary, following elimination of an accidental leak of
AroclorR 1254 from an industrial site. Data show that PCB's
in oyster tissue decreased after the leak was eliminated, and
a steady-state concentration was reached. No Aroclor 1254
was detectable in water at stations sampled, but sediments
were found to contain relatively low amounts (>0.31 ppm) in
1970 and 1971. The study demonstrates the persistence of
PCB's long after point-source discharges are eliminated.
RESEARCH Bierman, Victor, William Richardson, and Tudor T. Davies.
REPORTS 1978. MATHEMATICAL MODELING STRATEGIES APPLIED TO SAGINAW
BAY, LAKE HURON. In: American-Soviet Symposium on Use of
Mathematical Models to Optimize Water Quality Management,
T. T. Davies and V. R. Lozanskiy, editors. Environmental
Research Laboratory, Gulf Breeze, FL. EPA Ecological
Research Series, EPA-600/9-78-024. pp. 397-432.
18
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This research is directed toward water quality problems of
international waters of the North American Great Lakes. The
prime objective is to develop quantitative tools to supplement
intuition and scientific judgment in policy decisions related
to water quality. Transport models and algal growth modeling
concepts are applied to Saginaw Bay to describe prevailing
conditions.
Davies, T. T., and V. R. Lozanskiy, editors. 1978. AMERICAN-
SOVIET SYMPOSIUM ON USE OF MATHEMATICAL MODELS TO OPTIMIZE
WATER QUALITY MANAGEMENT. Environmental Research Laboratory,
Gulf Breeze, FL. U.S. EPA Ecological Research Series,
EPA-600/9-78-024. 453 p.
The American-Soviet Symposium on Use of Mathematical Models to
Optimize Water Quality Management examines methodological
questions related to simulation and optimization modeling of
processes that determine water quality of river basins.
Participants describe the general state of development and
application of mathematical models designed to predict and
optimize water quality management in the USA and USSR.
American and Soviet specialists discuss graphic-economic
aspects of pollution control systems; identification of eco-
system models by field data; management decisions for lake
systems on a survey of trophic status, limiting nutrients, and
nutrient loadings; and a descriptive simulation model for
forecasting the condition of a water system. Publication of
the proceedings held December 9-16, 1975, in Kharkov and
Rostov-on-Don, USSR, is in compliance with the Memorandum
from the Fourth Session of the Joint American-Soviet Committee
on Cooperation in the Field of Environmental Research.
Duke, Thomas W., and Anatoliy I. Simonov, editors. 1978.
FIRST AMERICAN-SOVIET SYMPOSIUM ON THE BIOLOGICAL EFFECTS OF
POLLUTION ON MARINE ORGANISMS. Environmental Research Labora-
tory, Gulf Breeze, FL. U.S. EPA Ecological Research Series,
EPA-600/9-78-007. 166 p.
American and Soviet specialists discuss state-of-the-art for
hydrobiological analysis of basic structural components of
marine ecosystems and the influence of various pollutants on
these components. Participants define problems related to
methods for modeling the influence of pollutants on the
marine environment, long-term forecasting and determination of
permissible loads of pollutants, and the unification and
intercalibration of methods for determining production of
microorganisms of ocean bacterio-plankton and phytoplankton.
Results of laboratory research on the influence of pollution
on the marine environment are presented. Proceedings held
September 20-24, 1976, in Gulf Breeze, FL, were published in
19
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English and Russian in compliance with the Memorandum from the
4th Session of the Joint American-Soviet Committee on Coopera-
tion in the Field of Environmental Research.
Koch, Robert B. 1978. DETERMINATION OF THE SITE(S) OF ACTION
OF SELECTED PESTICIDES BY AN ENZYMATIC-IMMUNOBIOLOGICAL
APPROACH. Environmental Research Laboratory, Gulf Breeze, FL.
U.S. EPA Ecological Research Series, EPA-600/3-78-093. 29 p.
This report describes development of an antibody to an organo-
chlorine pesticide to be used in studies related to its inhib-
ition of the ATPase system. Kelevan, the condensation pro-
duct of ethyl levulinate and Kepone, was successfully conju-
gated to bovine serum albumin (BSA), fibrinogen (BF), and
gamma globulin (BGG). Rabbits and chickens preimmunized with
BSA and then immunized with BSA-Kelevan produced antibodies
to both the hapten, Kelevan, and the carrier protein BSA.
Antiserum to Kelevan protected ATPase activity against Kepone
and its derivatives. The titer of antibody to Kelevan was
critical since antiserum with only trace amounts of Kelevan
antibody failed to protect the ATPase activity against Kepone
inhibition. Antibody was concentrated by Na^SO^ fractional
precipitation of the antiserum and obtained in pure form by
affinity chromatography with BGG-Kel covalently linked to
Sepharose 4B. Pure antibody was obtained from untreated
blood serum or plasma with no prior pretreatment or fraction-
ation with the BGG-Kel affinity column. Complete protection
of mitochondrial mg +ATPase activity from in vitro inhibition
of Kepone was obtained with a 1.2 mg quantity of Na2SOlt
fractionated antibody and only 120 yg of pure antibody.
Reversal of ATPase inhibition was readily obtained by addition
of antibody prior to addition of substrate to the reaction
mixture.
Vernberg, F. J., W. Kitchens, H. McKellar, K. Summers, and
R. Bonnell. 1978. THE DYNAMICS OF AN ESTUARY AS A NATURAL
ECOSYSTEM, VOL. II. Environmental Research Laboratory, Gulf
Breeze, FL. U.S. EPA Ecological Research Series, EPA-600/3-
78-092. 29 p.
This report describes two separate but interrelated sub-
studies: an update of the macroecosystem model of the North
Inlet Estuary near Georgetown, SC, and a continuing study of
experimental salt-marsh microecosystems. The model is under
development to help understand the interactions of various
parts of a natural ecosystem. The principal objective of the
study is to develop and test replicate experimental salt-
marsh units at the microecosystem level as diagnostic tools
for assessing long- and short-term pollution effects on the
Spartina alterniflora salt-marsh community.
20
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Because of the complexity, this study was conceived as a five-
year work. Two years of study (March 1, 1976, to February 28,
1978) are reported. A summary of the first phase of this
research is contained in the Ecological Research Series (EPA-
600/3-77-016, January 1977).
Wilkes, Frank G. 1978. MICROCOSMS AS BIOLOGICAL INDICATORS
OF POLLUTION. In: First American-Soviet Symposium on the
Biological Effects of Pollution on Marine Organisms, Thomas
W. Duke and Anatoliy I. Simonov, editors. Environmental
Research Laboratory, Gulf Breeze, FL. U.S. EPA Ecological
Research Series, EPA-600/9-78-007. pp. 155-156.
Research conducted and supported by the Environmental Research
Laboratory, Gulf Breeze, to develop microcosms as a method for
investigating pollutant fate and effects in the environment is
described. Ecosystem compartments under investigation include
direct accumulation from water and food by organisms at all
trophic levels, bioaccumulation through food chains, direct
effects of pollutants on organisms, i.e., mortality, reproduc-
tion and behavior, and indirect effects of sublethal levels of
pollutants, such as changes in predator-prey relationships.
Microbial processes at both air-water and sediment-water inter-
faces are investigated as well as physical and chemical trans-
formations .
PRESENTATIONS Borthwick, Patrick W., and Steven C. Schimmel. 1978.
TOXICITY OF PENTACHLOROPHENOL AND RELATED COMPOUNDS TO EARLY
LIFE STAGES OF SELECTED ESTUARINE ANIMALS. In: Pentachloro-
phenol: Chemistry, Pharmacology, and Environmental Toxico-
logy, K. Ranga Rao, editor, Plenum Press, New York, NY.
pp. 141-146.
Newly hatched individuals of four estuarine species were
exposed to pentaehlorophenol (PCP), sodium pentachlorophenate
(Na-PCP), or Dowicide1^ (79% Na-PCP), in static toxicity
tests.
The 96-hr LC50 values for sheepshead minnow (Cyprinodon
variegatus) fry exposed to PCP at ages 1-day, 2-week, 4-week,
and 6-week were 329, 392, 240, and 223 yg/1, respectively.
The 96-hr LC50 value for 2-week-old fry exposed to Dowicide1^
was 516 yg/1. The larvae (48-hr) post hatch) of pinfish,
Lagodon rhombiodes, were particularly sensitive to Na-PCP
(96-hr LC50:38 yg/1) and Dowicide1^ (96-hr LC50:66 yg/1).
For 24-hr-old grass shrimp (Palaemonetes pugio) larvae
exposed to Na-PCP the 96-hr LC50 was 649 yg/1. Na-PCP caused
abnormal development of eastern oyster (Crassostrea virginica)
embryos; the 48-hr EC50 was 40 yg/1.
21
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Bourquin, Al W., and David T. Gibson. 1978. MICROBIAL
DEGRADATION OF HALOGENATED HYDROCARBONS. In: Water Chlorina-
tion, Environmental Impact and Health Effects, Vol. 2, R. L.
Jolley et al., editor, Ann Arbor Sci. Publ. Inc., Ann Arbor,
MI. pp. 253-258.
Biochemical and soil microbiology studies indicate that
numerous mechanisms exist for the dehalogenation of both
aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons. Tests described in this
paper demonstrate that enzymatic systems are capable of de-
halogenation. The report does not answer the question of the
biodegradibility of halogenated hydrocarbons, but illustrates
the need for more information in order to identify compounds
that are likely to undergo enzymatic cleavage of the carbon-
halogen bond.
Carpenter, James H., and Donald L. Macalady. 1978.
CHEMISTRY OF HALOGENS IN SEAWATER. In: Water Chlorination:
Environmental Impact and Health Effects, Vol. 1, R. L. Jolley,
editor, Ann Arbor Sci. Publ. Inc., Ann Arbor, MI. pp. 161-179.
There has not been sufficient research to provide a satisfac-
tory understanding of the reactions that occur when +1 oxida-
tion state chlorine is added to seawater. However, present
information suggests that the bromide ion is oxidized and,
perhaps, disproportionates to several oxidation states.
Formation of brominated or mixed brominated-chlorinated
organic compounds can be expected, but the extent and
speciation of such reactions remain to be determined.
These experiments show that present analytical procedures do
not measure all of the inorganic "residuals" present in
chlorinated seawater.
Davis, William P., and William F. Mcllhenny. 1978. MARINE
WORKSHOP SUMMARY. In: Water Chlorination: Environmental
Impact and Health Effects, Vol 2, R. L. Jolley, editor, Ann
Arbor Sci. Publ. Inc., Ann Arbor, MI. pp. 859-862.
Proceedings of the Marine Workshop held during the second
conference on the Environmental Impact of Water Chlorination,
October 31-November 4, 1977, in Gatlinburg, TN, under sponsor-
ship of the Oak Ridge National Laboratory, U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency and the Department of Energy. Papers and
discussion describe research considerations, problems, and
viewpoints regarding Chlorination impacts in marine and fresh-
water ecosystems.
22
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Davis, William P., and Douglas P. Middaugh. 1978. A REVISED
REVIEW OF THE IMPACT OF CHLORINATION PROCESSES UPON MARINE
ECOSYSTEMS. In: Water Chlorination: Environmental Impact and
Health Effects, Vol. 1, R. L. Jolley, editor, Ann Arbor Sci.
Publ. Inc., Ann Arbor, MI. pp. 283-310.
This paper presents a theoretical degradation model of chlo-
rine added to marine waters. Additionally, it summarizes
literature reporting laboratory or ecological effects of
chlorination. The revisions attempt to incorporate pertinent
literature through 1977.
Erickson, Stanton J., and Anne E. Freeman. 1978. TOXICITY
SCREENING OF FIFTEEN CHLORINATED AND BROMINATED COMPOUNDS
USING FOUR SPECIES OF MARINE PHYTOPLANKTON. In: Water
Chlorination: Environmental Impact and Health Effects, Vol. 2,
R. L. Jolley et al., editor, Ann Arbor Sci. Publ. Inc., Ann
Arbor, MI. pp. 307-310.
No distinction has been made in the scientific literature
between the effects of the oxidative stages of chlorination
and the effects of halogenated compounds formed as by-products.
Screening tests of compounds, which are known by-products of
chlorination, were performed on four species of marine phyto-
plankton. Eight concentrations of the test compound were
studied over a seven-day period. Different responses such as
stimulatory, inhibitory or no effect were determined on algal
cell division. These tests identified organism sensitivity
to the test compounds and established the working range for
more comprehensive studies.
Goodman, Larry R. , David J. Hansen, John A. Couch, and Jerrold
Forester. 1978. EFFECTS OF HEPTACHLOR AND TOXAPHENE ON LABO-
RATORY-REARED EMBRYOS AND FRY OF THE SHEEPSHEAD MINNOW. In:
Proceedings of Thirtieth Ann. Conf. Southeast. Assoc. Fish
Wild. Agencies, October 24-27, 1976, Jackson, MI, Wilmer
Rogers, editor, pp. 192-202.
Flow-through seawater bioassays of 28-days duration were con-
ducted with the organo-chlorine pesticides heptachlor and
toxaphene to determine their toxicity to and bioconcentration
by embryos and fry of the sheepshead minnow (Cyprinodon
variegatus). At technical heptachlor measured concentrations
of 4.3, 3.5, 2.2, 2.0, and 1.2 yg/1 (ppb), test animal survi-
val was 1, 5, 61, 79, and 88% respectively. At toxaphene
measured concentrations of 2.5, 1.1, 0.6, 0.3, and 0.2 yg/1,
test animal survival was 10, 85, 79, 88, and 80% respectively.
Average standard length of fry continuously exposed from
fertilization to heptachlor concentrations of 4.3 and 3.5
yg/1 was significantly reduced (« = 0.01). Concentration
factors (concentration in fish/measured concentration in
23
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water) for heptachlor averaged 3,600 and for transchlordane
averaged 8,600. Heptachlor epoxide and cis-chlordane were
also present in the fish. Concentration factors for toxaphene
in fry averaged 9,800.
Rubinstein, Norman I. 1978. EFFECT OF SODIUM PENTACHLORO-
PHENATE ON THE FEEDING ACTIVITY OF THE LUGWORM, ARENICOLA
CRISTATA STIMPSON. In: Pentachlorophenol: Chemistry, Pharma-
cology, and Environmental Toxicology, K. Rango Rao, editor,
Plenum Publ. Corp., New York. pp. 175-180.
A benthic bioassay utilizing time-lapse photography was used
to measure the effect of four concentrations of Na-PCP (45,
80, 156, and 276 yg/1) on the feeding activity of Arenicola
cristata. There was no marked effect on feeding activity at
45 yg/1. Na-PCP significantly affected feeding activity at
concentrations of 80, 156, and 276 ug/1. As the lugworm feeds
it mixes organic material and oxygenated water into the sub-
strate. Inhibition of this activity could affect benthic com-
munity trophic structure and substrate-water column dynamics.
Schimmel, Steven C., James M. Patrick, Jr., and Linda F. Faas.
1978. EFFECTS OF SODIUM PENTACHLOROPHENATE ON SEVERAL
ESTUARINE ANIMALS: TOXICITY, UPTAKE, AND DEPURATION. In:
Pentachlorophenol: Chemistry, Pharmacology, and Environmental
Toxicology, K. Rango Rao, editor, Plenum Publ. Corp., New
York. pp. 147-155.
Several estuarine animals were exposed to sodium pentachloro-
phenate (Na-PCP), in flow-through toxicity tests. The fol-
lowing are test animals and their 96-hr LC50 values: grass
shrimp (Palaemonetes pugio), >515 yg/1; brown shrimp (Penaeus
aztecus), >195 yg/1; longnose killifish (Fundulus similis),
>306 yg/1; pinfish (Lagodon rhomboides), 53.2 yg/1; and
striped mullet (Mugil cephalus), 112 yg/1. The 192-hr EC50
(effect measured was shell deposition) for the eastern oyster
(Crassostrea virginica) was 76.5 yg/1. Eastern oysters ex-
posed to Na-PCP concentrations of 25.0 and 2.5 yg/1 accumula-
ted the chemical in their tissues an average of 41 and 78
times, respectively. After Na-PCP delivery was discontinued,
however, the oysters purged themselves of the pesticide within
four days.
Scott, Geoffrey I., and Douglas P. Middaugh. 1978. SEASONAL
CHRONIC TOXICITY OF CHLORINATION TO THE AMERICAN OYSTER. In:
Water Chlorination: Environmental Impact and Health Effects,
Vol. 2, R. L. Jolley, editor, Ann Arbor Sci. Publ., Inc., Ann
Arbor, MI. pp. 311-327.
24
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Lethal and sublethal effects of chlorination to adult oysters
(Crassostrea Virginia) were observed during chronic exposures
on a seasonal basis. Results show that chronic exposures of
oysters to chlorine-produced oxidants (CPO's) can produce
mortality at high concentrations and severe sublethal effects
at lower levels. Toxicity varies from season to season and is
related to seasonal changes in measured CPO concentrations,
temperature, and the physiological condition of the oyster.
Sublethal effects appear to be related to reductions in feed-
ing and increased avoidance of CPO's. This results in reduced
tissue production, causing severe reductions in the size of
gonadal tissues and increased dependence in glycogen reserves
during exposures to CPO's.
Tagatz, M. E., J. M. Ivey, and M. Tobia. 1978. EFFECTS OF
DOWICIDE^-ST ON DEVELOPMENT OF EXPERIMENTAL ESTUARINE MACRO-
BENTHIC COMMUNITIES. In: Pentachlorophenol: Chemistry, Pharma-
cology, and Environmental Toxicology, K. Rango Rao, editor,
Phenum Publ. Corp., New York. pp. 157-163.
Aquaria containing clean sand received a continuous supply of
flowing seawater from Santa Rosa Sound, Florida, mixed with
known quantities of Dowicide^G-ST (79% sodium pentachloro-
phenate) for 13 weeks. The measured concentrations of penta-
chlorophenol (PCP) in the aquaria were 1.8, 15.8, and 161 yg/1.
At the end of the experiment, macrofauna established in control
and experimental aquaria was examined. Mollusks, arthropods
and annelids were numerically dominant among the macrofauna.
Although exposure to 1.8 yg/1 PCP had no effect, the higher
concentrations of PCP caused marked reduction in the numbers
of individuals and species. Mollusks were the most sensitive
taxonomic group to PCP. These results and our previous
studies on the effects of a nine-week exposure to PCP on the
establishment of macrobenthic communities indicate that
discharge of PCP into natural waters could alter the normal
colonization by benthic animals and could impact various
ecological relationships among localized populations.
Wilkes, Frank G. 1978. LABORATORY MICROCOSMS FOR USE IN
DETERMINING POLLUTANT STRESS. In: Aquatic Pollutants: Trans-
formation and Biological Effects, O. Hutzinger et al., editors,
Pergamon Press, New York. pp. 309-321.
Tests under development at ERL,GB to determine effects of pol-
lutants on ecosystem compartments and processes are described.
The tests are termed "microcosms," which are miniature eco-
systems that can be used to investigate the origin, flow, fate,
and effects of materials released in the environment. Exam-
ples of various tests and data obtained in their use are
presented.
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NOTE: This report is for informational purposes only. All data and conclusions must be considered provisional. Mention of trade
names or commercial products does not constitute endorsement of recommendation for use.
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Credits: Betty P. Jackson, editor; Terry Miller and Steve S. Foss, graphics, and Gail Garnas, editorial assistant
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